travel real Canada
Day Tour to Jasper National Park: Road Trip from Calgary
Are you heading straight to Jasper National Park without any extra time for Banff? A four-hour non-stop drive can either turn into a boring long haul or an unforgettable day of adventures - all without changing your schedule.
Private Trip to Jasper from $840 / group
- Private tailor-made tour for 12+ hours
- No strict itinerary or tight schedule
- Kia Sedona 2019 minivan with 5+2 passenger seats
- Group price: from only $840
Book
How to Plan Your Trip?
"Moraine or Louise or both?!" - The age-old question of every Rocky Mountains trip planner. It's like choosing between chocolate or vanilla ice cream, impossible! But fear not, dear traveler, for we have a simple solution. Pick one waterfall, one glacier, and one lake, and voila! You've got yourself a perfect itinerary. Plus, a good hike will help with the blood circulation after a long road trip.
But wait, there's more! Did you know that some lakes are easier to visit than others? No more shuttle bus struggles at Lake Louise - try parking at Peyto Lake instead and even go for a small hike! And if you're looking for peace and quiet, Mistaya Canyon might be your new favorite spot (Johnston Canyon who?).
As for glaciers, Athabasca is a popular one (you know, the one all the tour buses go to), but Saskatchewan Glacier is a hidden gem. But don't let that deter you, as you can easily walk close to Athabasca Glacier, whereas reaching the viewpoint for Saskatchevan Glacier requires at least an hour's hike. Happy exploring!
But wait, there's more! I also recommend making a short stop every hour to break up the drive and take in the stunning views. Start with either Lake Louise or Moraine Lake (or both if you're up for it!), then take a short two-hour hike somewhere along the Icefield Road to get closer to Bow Glacier Falls. Afterward, stop for lunch at the Athabasca Visitor Center and spend a couple of hours exploring either Athabasca or Saskatchevan Glacier. This way, you can make the most of your day and fill it with unforgettable adventures!
So don't stress about which attractions to choose. Just follow our simple approach and enjoy everything this beautiful park has to offer! Contact us to get a customized itinerary that fits your interests and schedule. We'll make sure you see the best of the best without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Let us take care of the planning so you can relax and enjoy your adventure in Jasper National Park!
Plan with Us!
Private Trip to Jasper from $840 / group
- Private tailor-made tour for 12+ hours
- No strict itinerary or tight schedule
- Kia Sedona 2019 minivan with 5+2 passenger seats
- Group price: from only $840
Book
The Ultimate Icefields Parkway Adventure: Roa Trip to Jasper in a Day
8:00 AM: Meet your tour guide and depart from Banff/Lake Louise/Calgary or anywhere on the way.
9:30 AM: Arrive at Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, a scenic spot offering stunning views of Crowfoot Glacier. This glacier is named for its three distinctive "toes," and you'll have the chance to see them up close from this viewpoint. Time needed: 10 minutes
10:00 AM: Head to Bow Lake Viewpoint, a picturesque location that's perfect for photos. The lake is a bright turquoise color, and is surrounded by mountains that reflect in its still waters. Time needed: 30 minutes
10:30 AM: Continue to Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint, which is one of the most popular stops on the Icefields Parkway. From this viewpoint, you'll have a panoramic view of the lake and its vibrant blue-green color. Time needed: 30 minutes
11:00 AM: Drive to Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint, a peaceful spot where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The mountains reflected in the lake create a stunning backdrop for photos. Time needed: 10 minutes
11:30 AM: Arrive at Mistaya Canyon, a unique natural wonder that has been sculpted by the rushing waters of the Mistaya River. You'll have the opportunity to take a short walk along the canyon and view the spectacular formations. Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
1:00 PM: Have lunch at Saskatchewan River Crossing Café, which is a great place to stop and enjoy a meal. The café serves a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Time needed: 30 minutes
2:00 PM: Drive to Weeping Wall, a scenic roadside stop with a beautiful waterfall flowing down the rock face. You'll have a chance to take photos and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Time needed: 10 minutes
2:30 PM: Head to Big Hill and Big Bend Viewpoint, which provides a sweeping view of the valley and the winding road ahead. It's a great spot to stop and take in the scenery. Time needed: 5 minutes
3:00 PM: Arrive at Athabasca Glacier, where you can choose to join a guided tour or walk on the glacier by yourself. The glacier is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the area, and you'll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with it. Time needed: 3 hours
6:00 PM: Head to Skywalk, a glass-bottomed walkway that extends over the Sunwapta Valley. It's a unique experience that provides incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Time needed: 1 hour (Booking in advance is necessary.)
7:00 PM: Drive to Tangle Creek Falls, a beautiful waterfall with crystal-clear waters. It's a great spot to take photos and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Time needed: 15 minutes
7:30 PM: Visit Sunwapta Falls, a powerful waterfall where the Sunwapta River flows through a narrow gorge. You'll have a chance to see the falls up close and take photos. Time needed: 20 minutes
8:00 PM: Head to Goats and Glacier Lookout (Goat Lick), where you can spot mountain goats licking the mineral-rich rocks. It's a unique opportunity to see these amazing animals up close. Time needed: 10 minutes
9:00 PM: Arrive in Jasper and check in to your hotel. Your private tour ends here.
Jasper National Park: Canada's Wilderness Playground
Welcome to Jasper National Park, the wilderness wonderland of Canada! With over 11,000 square kilometers of breathtaking scenery, it's no surprise that Jasper is a favorite destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Picture this: towering peaks, emerald lakes, thundering waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. And that's just the beginning! Hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, and wildlife watching are just a few of the activities that make Jasper a year-round paradise.
But wait, there's more! Have you ever dreamed of soaking in a natural hot spring while surrounded by snowy mountains? Miette Hot Springs is waiting for you. Or maybe you want to experience the thrill of standing on a glass platform 280 meters above the valley floor? The Glacier Skywalk is calling your name.
And let's not forget about the icefields! The Columbia Icefield, located on the Icefields Parkway, is a must-see. Take a ride on the Ice Explorer and walk on the Athabasca Glacier, one of the largest icefields in North America.
But don't worry, if extreme adventure isn't your thing, there are plenty of more relaxed activities to enjoy. Take a scenic drive, enjoy a picnic, or simply sit and take in the stunning beauty around you. Jasper National Park truly has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful places on Earth!
15 Wacky and Wild Facts about Jasper National Park
- Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and home to over 11,000 square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness. That's bigger than your mom's lasagna!
- The park is home to some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world, including the Columbia Icefield, which covers an area larger than the city of Paris. That's a lot of ice cream!
- Speaking of ice cream, Jasper is home to the world-famous Jasper Dairy Queen, which serves up some of the most delicious soft serve ice cream you'll ever taste. Just make sure you don't drop your cone on a grizzly bear's foot!
- Jasper National Park is also home to the Miette Hot Springs, which are the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies. Soak in the hot water and pretend you're a potato in a pot!
- The park is also home to the Athabasca River, which is one of the longest rivers in North America, stretching over 1,500 km. That's longer than your dad's stories about his glory days!
- Jasper is a dark sky preserve, which means it's one of the best places in the world to stargaze. Just make sure you don't accidentally wish upon a satellite!
- The park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Just be careful not to get in their way - they're not as friendly as the park rangers!
- Jasper National Park is also home to the largest known concentration of karst (limestone) formations in the Canadian Rockies. That's right, Jasper is basically one big rock show!
- The park is named after Jasper Hawes, who was a fur trader and one of the first Europeans to explore the area. Imagine being known forever as the person who inspired millions of tourists to take selfies with mountains!
- The town of Jasper is located within the park and is one of the most picturesque mountain towns you'll ever see. It's so charming, you'll feel like you're living in a snow globe!
- The park is home to the Athabasca Glacier, which is one of the six toes of the Columbia Icefield. It's been melting at a rate of 5 meters per year, so make sure you visit it before it disappears faster than your willpower to resist poutine!
- Jasper National Park is also home to the famous Skywalk, which is a glass-bottomed walkway that extends over the edge of a cliff. It's the perfect opportunity to test your fear of heights and your faith in modern engineering!
- The park has a long and interesting history, including being a key route for fur traders, explorers, and railway workers in the 1800s. So basically, Jasper has been inspiring adventure-seekers for centuries!
- Jasper National Park is also home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, with over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain. It's the perfect place to shred some powder and show off your sick moves!
- Finally, Jasper is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place, and it's the perfect spot to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. Just remember, there's no Wi-Fi in the forest, but you'll find a better connection!
Icefields Parkway: Canada's Most Stunning Scenic Drive
Icefields Parkway is a 232 km long stretch of road that connects Jasper and Banff National Parks in the Canadian Rockies. The drive offers stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and towering mountain peaks, making it one of the most scenic drives in the world. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a leisurely traveler, there's something for everyone on Icefields Parkway. Take a leisurely stroll around the glacier-fed lakes, go hiking to the summits of majestic mountains, or simply enjoy the panoramic views from the comfort of your car!
As you drive along the parkway, there are plenty of must-see stops to include on your itinerary, including the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and Athabasca Falls. However, don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems like the Tangle Falls or Mistaya Canyon. So buckle up, roll down your windows, and get ready for a scenic adventure of a lifetime on Icefields Parkway. And who knows, you might even spot a grizzly bear or two along the way (from a safe distance, of course!).
10 Fun Facts about Icefields Parkway
- The Icefields Parkway is a 232 km (144 mile) long scenic road that runs through the Canadian Rockies between Jasper and Lake Louise. It's a paradise for road trippers and nature lovers alike, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and glaciers.
- The parkway was originally built in the 1930s as a way to connect Jasper and Lake Louise, but it wasn't completed until 1940 due to the challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions. Today, it's considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
- The Columbia Icefield, which is the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains, can be found along the parkway. The icefield is over 325 square kilometers (125 square miles) in size and feeds eight major glaciers.
- The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most popular attractions along the parkway. Visitors can take guided tours onto the glacier, ride on the iconic ice explorer vehicle, and even drink water straight from the glacier.
- The parkway is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled while driving, and always give the animals plenty of space.
- Peyto Lake, located near the southern end of the parkway, is a must-visit for its brilliant turquoise color. The color is caused by rock flour, which is created when glaciers grind rocks into a fine powder that is then carried into the lake by meltwater.
- The parkway is a popular spot for stargazing, with clear skies and little light pollution. On a clear night, visitors can see the Milky Way and even the Northern Lights.
- The parkway is also home to several waterfalls, including Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. Both falls are easily accessible by short hikes and offer stunning views.
- The Weeping Wall, located near the Columbia Icefield, is a popular spot for ice climbing in the winter. The wall is formed by water seeping through porous limestone and then freezing into giant icicles.
- The parkway is not just a scenic road, it's also an important habitat for several endangered species, including the woodland caribou and the wolverine. By driving responsibly and staying on designated trails, visitors can help protect these species and their fragile habitats.
Carry BEAR SPRAY!
It may save your life!
Why Our Prices are so Low?
At our tour company, we are frequently asked why our prices are so much lower compared to other tour operators. While we cannot claim to have the absolute lowest prices in the market, we can definitely say that we keep our prices very affordable.
One of the main reasons why we can offer such low prices is that we are a family business with over 7 years of experience in the industry. We have learned to operate our tours without renting an office or hiring a large number of people, which allows us to pass on the savings to our customers. We do not hire guides for a season and pay them low hourly wages. Instead, we mostly conduct tours ourselves, which is a win-win situation for both you and us. You get a dedicated guide who knows the ins and outs of the destination, and we earn a fair profit without inflating our prices.
As a result, if you are traveling with a partner, family, or a group of friends, you will most likely pay less with us than with a group tour operator. We offer custom private tours with a fixed price for the entire group, which can often be more cost-effective than joining a pre-organized group tour.